This children’s article, The Oscars explained: A kids’ guide to the Academy Awards, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and discover how the world celebrates the best films each year. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What are the Oscars?
The Oscars, officially called the Academy Awards, are the most famous movie awards in the world. They celebrate the best films, actors and filmmakers each year.
The awards are chosen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This organisation is made up of thousands of people who work in the film industry, including actors, directors, writers and producers.
The winners receive a small golden statue called an Oscar. The official name of the statue is the Academy Award of Merit.
When and where are the 2026 Oscars?
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15th. The ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, in the United States.
During the event, 24 awards are up for grabs in various categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director. The ceremony is watched by millions of people around the world.
Actors and filmmakers often walk along a famous red carpet before the event begins, while photographers and fans watch from the sides.
A short history of the awards
The first Oscars ceremony took place in 1929 at a hotel in Hollywood. Over time, the awards grew bigger and more glamorous.
Today, the ceremony includes music performances, comedy, emotional speeches and famous presenters. Winning an Oscar is considered one of the greatest honours in filmmaking.
Who might win the big awards this year?
Every year, film fans try to guess who will win the biggest awards. These predictions are part of the fun of the Oscars.
For the 2026 awards, the film One Battle After Another is one of the favourites for Best Picture. Its director, Paul Thomas Anderson, is also expected to be a strong contender for Best Director.
In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley is widely predicted to win Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, while Michael B. Jordan is one of the leading contenders for Best Actor for the film Sinners.
Why the Oscars matter
The Oscars celebrate creativity and storytelling in cinema. Films can inspire people, make them laugh, cry or think about the world in new ways.
Winning an Oscar can also help films reach new audiences around the world. Movies that win often become more popular and remembered for many years.
For film lovers, the Oscars are a night that celebrates the magic of movies.
Article vocabulary list
- Academy: An organisation of experts in a particular field.
- Ceremony: A formal event or celebration.
- Nominee: A person or film chosen as a possible winner of an award.
- Director: The person who guides how a film is made.
- Contender: Someone who has a strong chance of winning.
- Glamorous: Attractive, exciting and full of famous people.
- Audience: The people who watch a show, film or event.Industry: A group of businesses that produce the same type of product.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What are the Oscars also called?
a) The Golden Film Awards
b) The Academy Awards
c) The Hollywood Prizes
Answer: b) The Academy Awards
2. Where will the 2026 Oscars ceremony take place?
a) London
b) New York
c) Hollywood, Los Angeles
Answer: c) Hollywood, Los Angeles
3. When was the first Oscars ceremony held?
a) 1929
b) 1955
c) 1980
Answer: a) 1929
4. What do winners receive at the Oscars?
a) A silver cup
b) A golden statue
c) A crown
Answer: b) A golden statue
5. Which actress is predicted to be a favourite for Best Actress in 2026?
a) Emma Stone
b) Jessie Buckley
c) Kate Hudson
Answer: b) Jessie Buckley
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
